Up-and-Coming Anti-Aging Ingredients

While there are many anti-aging ingredients that are proven to work, there are also many up and coming ingredients that are vying for a place in the skin care market.

• Japanese honeysuckle extract: "It is a unique and up-and-coming substance that ahs a broad spectrum of anti-microbal properties, but has also demonstrated that it can help repair damaged elastin and collagen," said Kirsten Corcoran, founder of Larenim Mineral Makeup.
• Plant stem extracts: Corcoran explained plant stem cell extracts are being introduced into the industry and are showing great potential to slow the aging of skin. Several companies have already begun using the stem cells in new formulations. Ian Lirenman, owner of emerginC, explained, "We are incorporating argan oil, an oil rich in phytonutrients and found only in Morocco, into a cream with a new breakthrough: using stem cells from a rare Swiss apple."
• Products from the Amazon: "The Amazon basin is the new spa-beauty garden because of its indigenous plants, fruits and nuts, which are high in antioxidants and skin-nourishing oils," said Emily Fritchey founder and president of Sunshine Botanicals. The babassu nut, açaí berry, goji berry, guanabana (also known as the soursop fruit) and yerba mate (a species of holly) are just some of the new kids on the block.
• Every day products: Surprisingly, formulators are finding that one doesn't necessarily need to travel across the globe to find a new, effective ingredient; many can be found in the local grocery store. "Edible ingredients, such as cranberries and blueberries, have become very popular," said Linda Miles, L. Ac. D.O.M., vice president of derma e® Natural Bodycare.